Mid Jan

"You don't need a camera in some instances because you will always remember that moment anyway."

Obviously lugging around DSLR is kind of a burden especially when I'm travelling light. Sometimes I wish the Capsule Inc. technology (from the Dragonball series) is already here!

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This movie is quite good though, it did ring alot of bells!

The Holocaust We Will Not See

Posted January 11, 2010

Avatar half-tells a story we would all prefer to forget

By George Monbiot.
Published in the Guardian 11th January 2010

Avatar, James Cameron’s blockbusting 3-D film, is both profoundly silly and profound. It’s profound because, like most films about aliens, it is a metaphor for contact between different human cultures. But in this case the metaphor is conscious and precise: this is the story of European engagement with the native peoples of the Americas. It’s profoundly silly because engineering a happy ending demands a plot so stupid and predictable that it rips the heart out of the film. The fate of the native Americans is much closer to the story told in another new film, The Road, in which a remnant population flees in terror as it is hunted to extinction.

But this is a story no one wants to hear, because of the challenge it presents to the way we choose to see ourselves. Europe was massively enriched by the genocides in the Americas; the American nations were founded on them. This is a history we cannot accept.

Continue reading...

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Muzahidin & Hadiana


// Zapin from Kumpulan Seri Melati. Melentur buluh biarlah dari rebung.


//Nazli and Akmal, the best man and the bridesmaid.


//Again the Perth gang united. Too bad the gentlemen were not bothered to have a group photo... heh.


// Live band playing traditional music, and Pantun Budi is my favourite.


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Initially this song was up in the list back in CCMB 2007, but had to be written off as there wasn't enough time to rehearse and to get the band in sync with the vocals - yes, it's me and Asyhraff.

Anyway, this is definitely one of the classics!



Hai cinta dulu-dulu
Cinta malu-malu
Cinta dulu-dulu
Memang susah nak bertemu
Bila sudah dapat bertemu
Nak cakap apapun tak tahu
Tegak berdiri tersipu-sipu
Seram sejuk kaku membisu


Sejak kecil sudah diasuh
Pantang larang dipegang teguh
Mulia sungguh cinta dulu
Adat resam budaya Melayu


Alah cinta zaman sekarang
Sudah terlupa pantang larang
Cinta zaman sekarang
Di khalayak ramai dia pegang-pegang
Kalau ditegur dia meradang
Macam harimau nak menerkam
Maruah bangsa sudah terancam
Kerana perbuatan segelintir orang


Hidup penuh berpoya-poya
Kalau kahwin pun tak kekal lama
Bila dah dapat yang di idam
Habis manis sepah dibuang


Hai cinta dulu-dulu
Ikut nasihat ayah dan ibu
Cinta dulu-dulu
kalau nak kahwin bertanyalah dulu
Berisik-risk bertanya-tanya
Ayah dan ibu dan anak siapa
Bila sudah berumah tangga
Kekal hingga sampai ke tua


Cinta dulu cinta mulia
Ikut aturan budaya bangsa
Hidup mereka sungguh bahagia
Cangkul dan tanah memisahkannya

Out of a sudden, there were stacks of Majalah Pengantin on the coffee table back home. Heh.

Qurban Bayrami

1428 - Busra
1429 - Penang
1430 - Jenderam

Now let the photos do the talking. If you can't bear with blood and gore, kindly skip this entry.

010110

On that particular date, Asyhraff and I went to Alor Setar for a short visit to see old friends who currently working at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah. Ah, what a feeling!


// The dinner was somewhat turn out to be a very late birthday for Hany (middle).


// Izwan, Najmi and Syafiq. The first two gentlemen now serving as HOs there. The latter is a house officer in Kangar.

We spent the night at Izwan's place, less than 1km from the hospital. It's almost half past eleven when Hazim & Huda dropped by. Borak-borak lagi.

The next morning, Izwan took both of us for a tour around the hospital. It's a well-equipped, paper-less, fully air-conditioned, in short, far cry better than PGH, which can be regarded as a museum if you ask me. We met Fareez and Bakry while wondering in the wards.

It's almost 9 when we set off to Syafiq's place in Langgar. Yeah, LANGGAR literally means knocked down. Perhaps one of the royalties in the olden days had an accident with kereta lembu or something like that, and the power that be decided to name that place Langgar.

What a surprise, Syafiq's place is by the roadside, and surrounded by acres of paddy field. Saujana mata memandang. We had a good breakfast and conversation on, well almost anything from politics to gossips.  Haha.


// Kedah, negeri jelapang padi...


// Sawah depan rumah Syafiq. Kedua-duanya menahan nafas sewaktu foto diambil.


On our way back to Penang, we made a stop at Sungai Petani to get our lunch at Radix Fried Chicken. The meal was as tasty as the ones from KFC or McD, although fast-food is truly not my liking. But hey, those fried rices from Kelantan are considered as fast-food too!


// Asyhraff focused at the ladies but he forgot to zoom in.


// We opted for take-away...

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Meanwhile, two weddings:


Ikhsan & Kartini

// The couple


// A reunion of UWAFY 2002 (University of Western Australia Foundation Year). Those who were enrolled, from left : Yours truly, Fauzan, Hadiana, Azalia, Azura, Hazwani, Kartini, and next to the bridegroom, Shuhaila. Farid, popularly known as 'Gundat', the last one was our senior.


// Batrisya and Farid.




Hazim & Huda

// The most unexpected love birds in PMC. Haha I knew it all along.


// As usual, the group photo. Yours truly, Dr Azzahidi Fahmi, Dr Syafiq, The couple, Dr Ainun Nadwah, Dr Khamizi with Wafiq, and Jhaznarul.

Defence Policy

Malaysian take:

PM: Zahid, what is the purpose of our defence policy?
Zahid: To defend Malaysia.
PM: No, Zahid. It is to make people believe Malaysia is defended.
Zahid: The Singaporeans?
PM: Not the Singaporeans, the Malaysians! The Singaporeans know it's not.

Heh, what a joke...

The last day

1431H. Recited the prayer off my laptop. Wow, a year, just like that.

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Finally I finished up my elective posting. Mixed results I suppose. A disaster? Maybe. Warming up before final year? Absolutely.

Memorable lines:

"Tak dapat line? Cuba lagi nanti..."

"Jangan rajin-rajin sangat, lepas lunch pergilah jalan-jalan KL eh?"

"Alright, the most important you need to go through is the clerking notes. Then the rest is quite straightforward. You're already (in the) final year, so you should know the drill,"

"Boleh tolong beli barang di Hospimart tak? Kopi dalam tin ke..."

"Oit! Apa kau buat di sini?"
"Elektif, sebulan di medical,"

Anyway, I had a great time there. Dear friendly nurses, HOs, MOs, and not to forget all specialists, thanks alot! Really.

Hmmm... working here? I'll keep my option open. It's less than 10km from where I live.


// Errr... I think its a little too much for a video about hospital.

A Gift of Life - Hadiah Kehidupan

They say that life is a gift. If so, could I have the receipt so that I can go back and change mine?
Sinead Murphy

Last year signed up for organ donation at National Transplant Resource Centre, just in case, you know, something happened. So apart from life insurance, this is something someone could benefit from me if I meet my Maker. To my horror, my name was not registered in the their system. So I signed up again at HKL when I was doing my elective.

Actually the morning before it suddenly struck in my mind; while I was cycling downtown, a bus (Metrobus in particular) might just ran over me. Heh. At least I could make someone smile when I die. What a weird logic...

"Doktor tahu, yang muslim melayu menjadi penderma sangatlah sedikit, malu kami kadang-kadang,"
"Errrrr...."
"Semua takut mati jenazah berlubang-lubang..."
"Hmmm... kena cuba pujuk lagi supaya derma..."

Almost 2010

Why am doing it anyway?

Heh it's the endorphins. Plus there are hot showers in the ward. That's enough for me.

Then its the repetitive reminders from IKIM radio telling the masses, a healthy muslim is better than a sick one. Duh.


// It's brand new under three twenty all-in. Rule of thumb: 'Any bike is a good bike as long as you ride it'. One set of slick tires, a helmet to reduce cranial injury (there's ongoing debate on mandatory helmet, the Aussies versus Scandinavians, please check it out), a rear pannier for my rucksack, a metal bell to warn the traffic that I'm close by, and a lock to prevent theft. That's all you need.

Honestly, I'm not really optimistic about it when I'm working later. Plenty of excuses and reasons. Ok, perhaps its limited to weekends.

Anyway, I've come to the final week. Electives in HKL has never been this convenient, because I dictate my own pace, thru self-directing learning and, more often than not, by osmosis.

But when one gets working... errr its like fish out of water. Terkejut. Haih...

Welcome final year! Bring it on!


// I reluctantly breath in a good chunk of soot, carbon monoxides and what have you whenever I get behind this monster. Its RapidKL counterpart dumps cleaner exhaust though. See, perhaps if I cycle for a year I will be self-appointed-exhaust-gas-connoisseur, differentiating car and motorcycle makes while blindfolded.

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For the past few weeks, I am truly indebted to advices, warnings, and more importantly their life stories of HOs. Thanks alot. Quoting one of them - 'it's not the location, it is you that really matter'.


// 'Melepak belakang hospital' : Haikal, Halim and Amin. The former two, Ampang, while Amin serves in QE, Kota Kinabalu. 

At the end of the day, it boils down to one question - 'why I want to do this anyway?'

And one friend I know has gone to the road less travelled by others. Cayalah!

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Come end of year school holiday, my mailbox is literally flooded by the invites. 3-4 weddings on the same day, eventhough all located within Klang Valley, is still a tall order. But I'm really happy for them.


// All of over Malaysia! Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Klang, Seremban, Ipoh, Jitra, Kuantan. Well not really, sans Borneo. Oh, there is another one: Singapore, at Tampines.

So again, Selamat Pengantin Baru! As of me, as usual: 'Lepas raya'.

Kg Pandan to HKL

Totally a bliss when weaving through traffic along Jalan Ampang.

Another 4 weeks to go.

Going the distance

I cycled to Batu Ferringhi from my flat this morning. Yup, in the middle of busy traffic. Hmmm... I wish Penang will set aside bicycle lanes in near future, or at least more roadsigns and campaigns telling to be considerate to cyclist. Heh. On the other hand, maybe after a while I will do some skitching when approaching a climb.

Distance covered: 40km (plotted on Google map)


View Larger Map

Fuel / source of ATP:
Pre - Chocolate Gardenia bread 60 cent, chrysanthemum tea 500mL.
Stop for refuel - nasi lemak, doughnut x 2, a glass of teh tarik, mineral water 250mL
Stop for dhuha - mesti bersyukur, masa muda sebelum tua, sihat sebelum sakit.
Post @ Kapitan cafe - mint tea, iced lime

Time: Didn't bother to time, I'm not an athlete or contesting for any competition. Just take it easy.

Stumbled a cyclist, and he says "Good morning" before passing by and disappears into corners just before Malaysia Army Camp. A white-haired chinese, presumably in his 50s. Sorry uncle, I'm not as fit as you are.

On my way back, in front of Flamingo Hotel, an elderly security guard in white uniform waved at me and even shouted out loud, with enthusiasm - "Bagus orang muda!" (Well done young man!).

Had snake bite puncture at Jalan Scotland, 2 min to home. Urgh, I just bought this bike last 4 days ago! Insaf saya tak mahu lompat-lompat dengan basikal ini lagi. Bukannya ada spring atau penyerap hentakan. Satu kerja lagi hendak menampal tiub.

BTW, saya pernah membaca sebuah blog yang banyak berkisah tentang basikal jarak jauh, dan ada satu fakta menarik yang boleh dikongsi di sini. "An average mamat who's definitely not an athelete (couch potato) like me can cycle at least 100km a day. If the road is as flat as pancake, its even further."

That makes Penang to KL about 5 days. Hmmm... tempting...

Never mind, I'll take a flight then. Save a lot of trouble and sweat. LCCT to Jenderam is less than 15 min drive! Meanwhile, this two-wheeler can take on the train from Butterworth, all the way down to Kuala Lumpur Station - yes the oldie one.

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What a nice theme song:

My 6th

Yes, this is the 6th, and its red in colour. 'Ruaidhri'. Heh what a name. Every single brethren before it have their own stories, and I hope this one, will have a happy ending. Perhaps with the 'ever after' part.

Now I have to justify the purchase, of course, by cycling!


from www.bicycle-adventures.com, Penang to Pangkor
Hmmm menarik juga berbasikal jarak jauh seperti adik Johan (sekarang sudah masuk universiti agaknya)

Cerita November II

Puan Khairul Husna telah pun menghebahkannya melalui medium Facebook. Jadi, datang sajalah...


// Hiasan ini dicetak atas kertas surih, sebelum ditampal di atas kek. Jadi ia tidak boleh dimakan.


// Antara warga pendidik SMAPK.


// Puan Jamaliah Rani


// Senior dan super senior... banyak yang dah berubah (muka dan perut haha)...


// Puan Rahimaton, guru Bahasa Inggeris, dan Mr Kanang, kini penuntut Master in Surgery di HUKM - nama sebenar beliau ialah Khairul Izan.


// Suffian Saujana, bersama Tok Wan, dan Cikgu Zuzi


// Sistem siaraya sekolah masih seperti dahulu, semput-semput. Jadi terpaksa sewa dari luar...

Terima kasih Cikgu!

Cerita November I

"Who knows you will be a psychiatrist later on." 
ujar Dr B-harathy, sewaktu berjumpa dengannya untuk membincangkan perihal keputusan subjek Psychiatry baru-baru ini.

Tersengih aku. Alahai...

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// Mengisi minyak sewaktu jalan-jalan ke Bukit Genting

Beberapa hari sudah, saya sempat pulang ke Sepang. Ditakdirkan Allah, kereta Proton Saga Biru, kesayangan ini semput-semput di tengah jalan. Sudahlah pada waktu malam. 2 kali saya terpaksa bergerak perlahan di lorong kecemasan. Asal lepas clutch, enjin mati. Jadi saya main-main minyak dengan clutch sampai lenguh kaki aku. Dalam hati, kalau transmisi automatik, lagi parah!

Syak masalah bateri, tapi agak tidak logik sebab boleh saja enjin dihidupkan sebelum bertolak. Jika alternator, sudah pasti ia mati terus, sebab palam pencucuh tidak dapat dicaj. Haih, ingat lagi bab-bab enjin Kemahiran Hidup Tingkatan 3.

Akhirnya aku berhenti di Hentian Bukit Gantang. Setelah beres solat, saya mendail nombor PLUS Peronda memberitakan situasi semasa. Masa menunggu saya luangkan dengan mengkhabarkan pada keluarga dan kawan yang saya agak lambat, dan besar kemungkinan perlu bermalam di situ.

Setelah hampir 30 minit berehat, muncul trak PLUS Peronda. Saya pun terus menaikkan bonet hadapan, mendedahkan ruangan enjin kereta. Dua Polis Bantuan pun turun. Muka segar dan bertenaga, menyatakan secara bukan lisan - "Ada apa yang kami boleh bantu?". Saya pun memperkenal diri dan bercerita...

Dan sebagai seorang penuntut perubatan saya pun 'present' kes ini. Hahaha. Provisional Diagnosis - Fuel-related problem, eg. 'choked' carburettor, fuel filter. Differential Diagnosis, spark plug not firing, alternator failure...

Sambil ralit mendengar celotehan saya, salah seorang PB (Polis Bantuan) pun membuka penapis udara (air filter), menampakkan carburettor di bawahnya. Jarinya mula merayap-rayap ke atas beberapa skru dan kabel, dan berhenti bila beliau sudah pasti yang mana satu perlu diusik. Yang seorang lagi, bermisai pun menghidupkan enjin, dan menstabilkan kelajuan enjin dengan menginjak-injak kakinya pada pedal minyak. Meraung-raung ia memecah kesunyian Hentian Bukit Gantang. Sedap juga derumannya, hmmm ini belum enjin ada turbo lagi...

Beberapa pelayan kedai buah-buahan di situ mula mengerumuni kereta saya. Memanjangkan leher, mencelikkan mata dan memasang telinga dengan semangat inkuiri yang tinggi. Salah seorang darinya berbisik-bisik, dan telingaku dapat menangkap : "Ini mesti carburettor tersumbat... biasalah Proton... kalau kereta lagi baru memang masuk bengkel terus... kena tarik dengan 'tow truck' jawabnya".

Setelah beberapa minit enjin itu hidup, akhirnya ia stabil. Ya, ia sudah panas. Saya pun dikhabarkan yang carburettornya 'tercekik' atau tersumbat. Jadi petrol tidak dapat disalurkan dengan baik ke dalam kebuk pembakaran. Alamatnya semput-semput. Asal lepas minyak enjin mati.

Kemudian, kedua-kedua Polis Bantuan yang budiman memberi jaminan yang saya boleh sampai ke Kuala Lumpur malam itu juga. Phew!

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Aku gembira betul sebab dapat bersua dengan kawan-kawan, bermula dengan Syafiq Ayman, yang kini menjadi MO di Hospital Port Dickson. Selepas itu kami menjamu selera di The Curve (Lengkung?).


// Johan, yours truly, Syafiq Ayman, dan Asyhraff

Esoknya, Ahmad, Amin, Mujaheed dan Syafiq Sidqi di Al-Rawsha. Letaknya di Jalan Damai, berdekatan dengan Masjid Damai.Terkenang jalan-jalan di Timur Tengah dulu-dulu...


// Ahmad dan Amin


// Nasi Ayam Mandy bersama Mujaheed


// Syafiq Sidqi meneguk Teh Pudina

Kemudian saya bertuah dapat bersua kembali dengan Muhammad (nama popular di sekolah dulu, Matbond) yang kini berkhidmat di Bank Negara. Beliau memberitahu ada kemungkinan tahun hadapan IMF akan menjadi destinasi seterusnya (dipos oleh Bank Negara). Turut hadir, Nurudin Sharoof, yang kini bekerja di salah sebuah bank. Mereka berdua banyak bercerita bagaimana sepatutnya graduan muda menguruskan duit gajinya... sambil membuncitkan perut di medan selera Pavillion dan di kedai kek kepunyaan bekas PM kita, 'The Loaf'.


// Matbond - banyak tips-tips...


// Nurudin Sharoof - kaki fotografi juga, dan masih pakai filem lagi!

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Alumni SKTN. Adem pun ada mengkhabarkan yang pihak sekolah memerlukan sokongan alumni untuk program Darjah 6 pada masa hadapan. Hohoho, jika tiada aral melintang, saya pasti akan turut serta.


// Adem Rono, Cikgu Anuar Sadat, dan Abdul Muhaimin


// Adli Shahrul. Kini menjadi 'orang minyak'.


// Azam, arkitek muda. Muhaimin, House Officer di Hospital Ampang. Yours truly.

Semoga di masa hadapan, ada usahasama dengan mereka. Yeay!


// Jaraknya dari rumah di Ampang hanyalah 2.5km. Ramai kenalan bekerja di sini : Halim, Muhaimin, Aizad, Wan Aliaa, Huda, Haikal & Hidayah.

ps : Aisemen Hadi, foto hang tak dak pulak. Lain kali eh?

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Balik ke KL kali ini berpeluang juga dengan melepak dengan Azlan Abn. Haha.